Work on converting the four Ohio-class SSBNs to SSGN configuration continues through another set of contracts

Northrop Grummaní Electronic Systems sector was recently awarded a $34 million contract from the US Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) for development and demonstration of the Multiple All Up Round Canister (MAC) that adapts the missile tubes of SSBN (fleet ballistic missile submarine) submarines from launching nuclear ballistic missiles to conventional cruise missiles. The contract began in January 2003 and will continue through December 2004. If all options are exercised, they will bring the total cumulative value of this contract to more than $150 million. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has overall responsibility for the SSGN conversion and has assigned responsibility for the attack weapons system (AWS) to SSP. The MAC is a subsystem of the AWS that will replace the existing Trident ballistic missile launch tubes and provide for the storage and launch of up to seven TOMAHAWK ‚ missiles from each of the 22 submarine missile tubes. Each SSBN submarine will thus be able to accommodate as many as 154 precision-guided, conventional land-attack Tomahawk weapons.

The U.S. Navyís Strategic Systems Program (SSP) Office announced it has awarded General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems the contract to integrate the attack weapon control system on the SSGN fleet. The initial effort of General Dynamics Integrated Marine Solutions is worth $ 5.6 million and will draw upon GDís work in developing the Navyís Mk 98 Mod 4 weapon control system.

Finally, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has been awarded a $ 90 million contract by the US Navyís Strategic Systems Programs Office for development and support for the new SSGN Attack Weapon Control System and the Trident Backfit Fire Control System. If all options are exercised, the contract will have a cumulative value of $221 million. Under this agreement, General Dynamics will modify the Trident Fire Control and Launcher system to provide a Weapon Control solution for the SSGN program. As part of this effort, the company will complete development and produce four SSGN Attack Weapon Control Systems.